Compare tile-PVC and linoleum

PVC tile and linoleum are two similar flooring materials, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Our experts in the field of construction have made a comparative analysis of the features of these materials, which can help you make a choice in favor of one or another material.

We have summarized the pros and cons of using PVC and linoleum tiles in a table.

PVC — tiles

PVC tile — a material consisting of: base, fabric or PVC; carrier layer made of fiberglass or PVC; a layer that forms the appearance, which is made of colored pulp with a pattern; a protective layer that protects against abrasion, moisture and slip.

It is divided into several classes with specific areas of application:

1. class 21-23, «household» — used for rooms with low traffic — in residential apartments and houses;

2. class 31-33, «commercial» — used in offices, shops, cafes, restaurants, etc.;

3. class 41-43, «industrial», is used in rooms with heavy loads on the floors.

Installation of PVC tiles with interlocking joints

Lock connections are a design of the «thorn-groove» type. There are two types of interlocking joints — mechanical, where individual tiles are joined together like a tongue-and-groove floorboard, and adhesive interlocking, in which the strength of the connection is provided, in addition to mechanical, with the help of glue. The principle of laying tiles of both varieties is the same.

Of great importance for ensuring the quality of laying the coating is the observance of the conditions for the production of work and the preparation of the base. Laying tiles should be carried out at a room temperature of at least 16 °C and a relative humidity of not more than 60%. Before laying the material must be kept in a warm room for at least 1 day.

Laying tiles with locking connections is made starting from the wall opposite to the entrance. When laying the first tile, it is necessary to observe a temperature gap of 3-5 mm between the edge of the coating and the wall. The next tile is applied at an angle of 45 degrees and with a slight pressure snaps into place and joins the first. The tightness of the lock is ensured by padding with a rubber mallet (hammer). Then the next row is laid with an offset of 1/3 of the length of the first tile, and so on. If necessary, the tile can be easily cut to the desired size with a knife.

Adhesive installation of PVC tiles

Tiles can be laid on an old flooring base — tiles, wooden floors, linoleum, fiberboard, plywood, etc., however, before laying a new flooring, the base must be leveled and repaired in case of existing defects. The base must be level and dry. If a leveling screed is laid before laying the coating, the moisture content of the base should not exceed 3%, which is measured with a special device — a moisture meter.

With the adhesive method of laying PVC tiles, laying starts from the middle of the room. First, markings are made using a paint cord, pencil or marker, as a result of which the room is divided into 4 parts. The first row of tiles is laid along one of the lines drawn on the base. Before laying, a layer of glue is applied to the base along the marking line, distributing it with a notched trowel. In order to prevent the tiles from moving, masking tape is used, which temporarily fixes each subsequent tile to the previously laid one.

The first row will be the basis for laying the rest of the coating. After laying each subsequent row, the surface is smoothed with a pressure roller to remove air from under the coating. The adhesive setting time is at least 3 days, after which you can walk on the coating.

Linoleum

There are many types of linoleum, which can be divided into groups according to two criteria: according to the material of manufacture and according to the structure.

Types by material:

1. natural linoleum, made from natural ingredients. The raw material for its production is a mixture of linseed oil, wood flour and ground limestone with the addition of pigments and resin, based on jute fabric. Used in rooms with high requirements for interior design;

2. polymer linoleum is made of PVC with plasticizers, mineral fillers and pigments on different bases: from fiberglass, jute fiber, foamed vinyl or without a base;

3. rubber or relin — made from recycled used rubber and synthetic rubber with the addition of pigments;

4. nitrocellulose — made without a base of nitrocellulose;

5. alkyd — produced on the basis of woven material from alkyd resin with the addition of pigments.

Types by structure:

1. homogeneous linoleum consists of a homogeneous layer, has a pattern and color throughout its entire thickness, which is 1.5-3 mm. It has high wear resistance, so it can be used for rooms with high traffic — lobbies, halls, corridors of buildings. The minus of homogeneous linoleum is a small selection of colors and patterns and a limited width of paintings — up to 2 m.

2. heterogeneous linoleum consists of a PVC layer on a fiberglass base. Unlike homogeneous, this coating is produced with a wide variety of design solutions — with various patterns, ornaments, imitation of marble, ceramic tiles, block parquet, etc. Possesses good fire-prevention properties, high degree of antiskid. Wear resistance depends on the thickness of the protective layer, which can range from 0.5 to 1 mm. For offices, linoleum with a protective layer of at least 0.7 mm should be used.

Linoleum laying

Linoleum must be rolled out before laying so that it rests and takes an even shape. If the width of the roll is sufficient to cover the entire area of ​​the room, then for laying it is first turned halfway along the roll. The base is covered with an adhesive composition using a roller and linoleum is laid on it, which is pressed and leveled with a clean roller towards the edges of the canvas. Install the other half in the same way. A day after laying, you can install skirting boards around the perimeter of the room. If you have to make joints between the strips, then they are welded using a special apparatus or connected and sealed with adhesive.

Conclusions: It is impossible to say unequivocally which is better — PVC tile or linoleum, since there are many types of both materials, while some types are identical in properties and quality. When choosing a material for flooring, you should choose any kind of one or the other material, depending on the purpose of a particular room and its mode of operation.